Bowls of candy wait in the Ratcliffe-Allison House, where children could decorate gingerbread houses for needy families.

Providence Elementary School student Patty Curtis tunes up her violin to perform holiday songs at the Festival of Lights and Carols Dec. 1.

William Hughes of Fairfax snaps a photo of Santa Claus at the Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 1 in Old Town Hall in Fairfax.

Fairfax kicked-off its holiday celebrations with the 2007 Festival of Lights and Carols Dec. 1 and 2. The festival combined outdoor activities with a Santa Claus breakfast, caroling, tree lighting and crafts to celebrate the holiday season.